Art enthusiasts and avid readers can come together and help raise funds for the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library April 21-23, during its annual Arts Gala. The fine-arts fundraiser will be held in the library, 1120 Stafford Rd., Plainfield, and feature work from over 70 local artists. Proceeds from artwork sold during the event will go toward distinctive library projects which focus on art enrichment for all ages.
This is the fifth year for the event, which previously raised funds to update the Children’s Room and make contributions toward mental health awareness. The library has sold over $64,000 in local artwork and raised over $24,000 for library projects. It has partnered with over 100 local artists and drawn over 1,000 attendees.
Joanna Carter, who is coordinating the event, explained, “The purpose of the Arts Gala is to raise funds for special library projects that will benefit the community. We love to see all the amazing artwork come to the Library. The amount of art and different media is just wonderful especially given the creativity behind it all. It fills our gallery space and is throughout the Library. All of our staff comes together along with the Friends of the Library and a host of volunteers to make this possible.”
This year, the Arts Gala’s theme is fiber and textile based art with the signature artist being Avon’s Maura Fox. Among the works available for purchase are original paintings in a variety of styles, glass, ceramics, woodworking, jewelry, textiles and sculptures.
The Arts Gala opens on Friday April 21, 7p.m. -10 p.m. with a Starlight Reception. At the Starlight Reception, Arts Gala sponsors and patrons will be able to meet artists, preview works being sold and purchase displayed art.
Friday evening is a formal event. There will be music from the Hendricks Symphony and drinks and hors d’ oevres provided by area eateries. To attend the Starlight Reception, guests are asked to pledge a minimum of $50 on one or more pieces. For more information about the Starlight Reception, please contact Joanna Carter at jcarter@plainfieldlibrary.net.
The weekend fun continues Saturday April 22 and Sunday April 23 as The Arts Gala is open to the public with no admission charge. These events are casual in atmosphere and children are invited to join in the fun. Both days include demonstrations by participating artists who will give live tutorials as to how they created their work. Past performers included a photographer and painter who encouraged the audience join in and specifically included children in the demonstration.
The art available for purchase has a wide range of pricing and should accommodate nearly all budgets. Children’s art begins at $10. Cash, check and credit card are all accepted.
